Still, it wasn't very long until rumours that she was dating Mac Miller began swirling. The pair initially started off as friends and collaborated on music together, but in August 2016, the duo were spotted kissing during a romantic sushi date in Encino, CA. There were also rumours that the couple might have gotten engaged after Ariana debuted a diamond sparkler on her ring finger during her Manchester concert in June 2017.
Neither Ariana nor Mac never confirmed the reports, but by May 2018, the pair had gone their separate ways. "Hi! This is one of my best friends in the whole world and favourite people on the planet Malcolm McCormick," Ariana wrote on Instagram, confirming their split. "I respect and adore him endlessly and am grateful to have him in my life in any form, at all times regardless of how our relationship changes or what the universe holds for each of us! Unconditional love is not selfish. It is wanting the best for that person even if at the moment, it's not you."
Sadly, Mac died from an accidental drug overdose aged 26 in September 2018.